10 Things to Do with an Elderly Parent in Basildon

Planning a day out with an elderly parent in Basildon doesn’t have to involve anything particularly elaborate. A walk somewhere green, a cup of tea, a browse around the shops or an afternoon doing something creative can be enough. The main thing is choosing activities that can happen at your parent’s pace.

If they want to walk, walk. If they want to sit down after ten minutes, sit down. There’s no prize for getting to the end of the route. We’ve collated ten things we think you might enjoy around Basildon.

Enjoy a Relaxing Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park

Wat Tyler Country Park is a good place to get some fresh air without having to plan a complicated day. There are open spaces and paths to explore, with plenty to look at along the way. Keep the walk short if your parent tires easily and make use of places to stop. It’s also a good spot for a picnic on a nice day. Take something they actually like rather than attempting an elaborate Instagram picnic. Sandwiches and a flask will do nicely.

Visit Barleylands Farm Park and Village

Barleylands can make for a fun day out, particularly if your parent enjoys animals or has fond memories of farming and countryside life. There’s something rather nice about being around animals. Even people who aren’t normally keen on organised attractions can find themselves stopping to watch what’s happening. Take your time and check accessibility before visiting if your parent has mobility requirements.

Explore Basildon Heritage and Local History

If your parent has lived in the Basildon area for years, local history can be much more interesting than it sounds. Look into local heritage sites, exhibitions and community history projects. Old photographs and stories about how the area has changed can be brilliant conversation starters. You could even ask your parent what they remember about Basildon when they were younger. You might be surprised by how much they remember.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in Basildon

A quiet afternoon tea is hard to beat when you want to spend time together without tiring yourselves out. Choose somewhere comfortable and make an afternoon of it. Tea and cake, a proper chat and perhaps a little people-watching. There’s no need to rush off afterwards.

Take a Gentle Shopping Trip at Eastgate Shopping Centre

Eastgate Shopping Centre gives you somewhere indoors to browse, particularly when the weather isn’t playing along. Keep the trip relaxed. Look around a few shops, find somewhere to sit and have a coffee. If your parent enjoys shopping for clothes or gifts, let them take the lead. If they don’t, you can always make the café the main event.

Visit Local Parks and Gardens

Sometimes a local park is all you need. Find somewhere with good paths, benches and plenty to look at. If your parent enjoys gardening, bring up the subject and see where the conversation goes. You could even take photographs of plants or flowers they like and use them for inspiration at home.

Attend a Show or Community Event

Keep an eye out for local events, performances, talks and community activities. These can be particularly good for parents who enjoy having something to look forward to. You don’t necessarily have to choose a big show. A local concert, craft event or afternoon performance can be just as enjoyable.

Spend Time at a Local Café Together

A café visit might sound almost too simple to include in a list like this, but we disagree. For many older people, getting out for a coffee gives them a change of scenery and a chance to socialise. Choose somewhere comfortable, order something nice and stay for as long as you like.

Try a Relaxing Creative Activity

Crafts, painting, flower arranging, baking or even doing a jigsaw together can give you something to focus on while you talk. It doesn’t need to be a formal class either. Buy a little craft kit and try it at home. And if neither of you is remotely artistic, even better – at least you’ll have something to laugh about.

Plan a Comfortable Day at Home Together

There are days when going out simply isn’t worth the effort, but quality time together can be enjoyed just as well at home. Watch an old favourite film, cook lunch, look through family photographs, listen to music your parent grew up with, or soak in the sun out in the garden.